HC Deb 20 November 1958 vol 595 c1299
10. Mr. Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to introduce a decimal coinage.

Mr. Erroll

My right hon. Friend has no such proposal in mind.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Mr. Lipton

What is there to "Hear, hear" about? Is the Economic Secretary aware that, seven years ago, the Hodgson Committee reported in favour of the adoption of the metric system and decimal coinage? Does he appreciate that the Government are continuing to earn the execration of generations of schoolchildren who are forced to learn the present very unsatisfactory system of weights and measures?

Mr. Erroll

I do not think that our system of currency, as distinct from weights and measures, is as unpopular in the country as the hon. Gentleman supposes.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not the Economic Secretary agree that there is really nothing wrong with our present coins except that some of us cannot get enough of them?